How Small Group Tutoring Can Help Your Child

If your child is struggling to keep up in class with English or maths then small group tutoring can help them catch up, keep up and get ahead. Kip McGrath’s small group tutoring can benefit your child whether they’ve fallen behind, need reinforcement, or want to get ahead, it can make a huge difference in your child’s confidence and academic progress.

What Is Small Group Tutoring?

Small group tutoring typically involves a low student-to-teacher ratio, usually three to five students per tutor. It offers a middle ground between one-on-one tutoring and classroom instruction. While maintaining some of the social and collaborative aspects of a classroom, small group sessions allow for more personalised attention, greater interaction, and focused learning time tailored to each student’s unique needs.

In this setting, students benefit from one-on-one support when needed, as well as independent practice time. The structure helps them develop key academic skills while fostering responsibility and self-directed learning.

Why Do Students Need Tutoring?

Unfortunately, many students fail to fully grasp essential concepts in English and maths during regular classroom instruction. Distractions, large class sizes, and different learning speeds can make it difficult for some children to keep pace.

A recent report by the Grattan Institute highlights this issue, stating:

“Studies estimate that typically about 20% of students will need additional learning support, on top of universal classroom instruction, to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills.”

For these students, targeted support is not just helpful it's essential. Without early intervention, learning gaps can widen over time, leading to frustration, low confidence, and even disengagement from school.

What Are the Benefits of Small Group Tutoring?

Small group tutoring delivers a range of academic and personal development benefits and can even provide benefits that one to one tutoring cannot

1. Individualised Learning Plans

Small group tutoring offers a more personalised experience, increased attention and a learning programme individualised to a child’s learning needs. This approach includes the one-to-one support needed to achieve students’ learning goals, as well as time for the student to work independently on tasks and build confidence.

2. Personalised Attention

With fewer students per session, tutors can monitor each child’s progress more closely. They can quickly identify learning gaps, adapt teaching strategies, and offer feedback in real time.

3. Increased Confidence

Children often feel more comfortable asking questions and engaging in small group environments. As they succeed in mastering skills, their confidence builds and that confidence spills over into the classroom and beyond.

4. Collaborative Learning

Learning alongside peers helps children develop communication and teamwork skills. They see that others also struggle with certain topics, which reduces feelings of isolation and helps normalise the learning process.

5. Evidence Based Results

A 2021 review by Evidence for Learning, an Australian education organisation, found that small group tuition can accelerate learning progress by an average of four months over the course of a year. This demonstrates the powerful impact that structured, focused tutoring can have.

How Does Small Group Tutoring Work at Kip McGrath?

For over 45 years, Kip McGrath has helped millions of students build foundational literacy and numeracy skills through trusted, evidence-based methods. Their small group tutoring model is carefully designed to maximise learning outcomes in a fun, engaging environment.

The Kip McGrath Educational Programme

Kip McGrath offers a free 40–60-minute ability assessment with a qualified teacher to identify your child’s learning gaps and then start them at the correct level. Our weekly tutoring sessions run in small groups of up to five for approximately 60 minutes.

Students have the flexibility to receive their tuition either in a local centre or online via our purpose-built online tutoring platform. They may also receive a combination of both.

Weekly sessions are fun, and engaging and include a mix of computers, written work, short-burst activities, one-on-one time, and feedback. Importantly, they also include independent learning to build confidence and increase self-esteem.

Parent Testimonial:

“Small group tutoring at Kip McGrath has been an absolute Godsend for my daughter. With her tutor's unwavering support, she has gone from having severe anxiety and panic attacks regarding mathematics to an extremely happy and confident young lady who can now tackle any math equation that comes her way.”

— Crystal Sargeant

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If your child needs support in English or maths, small group tutoring can help them catch up, keep up, and thrive. Kip McGrath offers a free English and/or maths assessment to get started on a personalised learning journey.

The assessment takes just 40 to 60 minutes and provides valuable insights into your child’s current ability and areas for growth.

Book your free learning assessment today and help your child build a strong academic foundation with confidence.